Every year we look forward to all the fancy Advent calendars our favourite brands bring out - because no longer are Advent calendars only owned by chocolate companies.
We all know about the fantastic beauty Advent calendars you can buy, but what if you're not into skincare and makeup? Worry not - there are now Advent calendars for pretty much every interest and hobby you can think of.
So, whether you want 24 days of Lego or Funko Pops, a December full of gin, or DIY tools, we've chosen our favourite Advent calendars for 2021. And none of them has the slightest whiff of chocolate.
These are the best available now, but make sure to check back here over the coming months when more Advent calendars will become available.
The best Advent calendars that aren't chocolate
AmazonFor a Marvel fan, this figurine Advent calendar is heaven. You get 25 collectible figurines that you can display proudly.
You're never too old for Lego! This fun Star Wars set that's been discontinued by the manufacturer has a whopping 280 pieces. Definitely a winner in our books. We're also a fan of the discontinuedHarry PotterAdvent Calendar if that's your franchise of choice.
A calendar that will absolutely decrease your stress levels this Christmas, Pukka's Herbal Tea calendar features 24 carefully selected, organic herbal, fruit, and green teas for when it all gets a bit much. The perfect start to the morning if you ask us!
MASTER OF MALTThis gift set features 12 30ml bottles of special gin, with flavours including Spit-Roasted Pineapple, Cold-Brew Coffee, Rhubarb Triangle, and Chocolate Cherry. It's perfect for doing a boujee at-home taster sesh, or to keep them stocked up on fun flavours for while.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Help any wine lover start Christmas with a bang (well, in this case - more of a pop), thanks to this delectable Sparkling Fizz Advent Calendar. Refillable and fabulous for any Prosecco fans out there for a fizz a day, chin-chin.
MENKINDThere's some serious retro vibes with this old-fashioned arcade game calendar with 24 different games. You've got to be a bit techy for this one, as you'll be building the games yourself each day with a different electronic component.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Personalised gifts always go down brilliantly at Christmas, and this photo Advent calendar lets you choose 24 of your own photos behind each door - this will definitely bring a smile to the grandparents' face every morning. This Advent calendar will last a lifetime, as you can frame the photo collage afterwards.
GETTING PERSONALwww.gettingpersonal.co.uk
Don't really want the chocolate, but still have a sweet tooth? You can't go wrong with this advent calendar packed with 24 retro sweets that'll delight your tastebuds and serve up some good old nostalgia. Plus, you can get it personalised with your name so no one can 'accidentally' steal your Drumstick lollies!
www.masterofmalt.com
Know a whiskey lover who deserves to be spoiled this year? Kick-off December with a selection of 12 drams of aged malt whiskies from across the globe.
www.snafflingpig.co.uk
The perfect gift for someone who loves a bit of pork crackling or a trip to the pub, the Snaffling Pig Advent calendar features award-winning crackling that really packs a punch. With this, you can enjoy your favourite bar drinks and snacks from the comfort of the armchair.
NOT ON THE HGIH STREETwww.notonthehighstreet.com
Christmas music is just the best. If you're like us and start singing All I Want For Christmas is you at exactly 12.01am on December 1st, then this might be the calendar for you and yours. Who doesn't love a bit of Mariah?
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Sophie Knight is Editor of WhatsTheBest and Contributing Editor for Mother&Baby, Closer, Heat, Yours, and Empire websites.
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